Alienware 13 - Spiritual Successor to M11x-RX series

Just curious, with the announcement of the Alienware 13 I would think there would be some excitement here as a lot of folks have been wanting a new M11x or something similar from Alienware for some time now.

For anyone who hasn't seen the articles, the specs as reported are:

Aluminum shell like the others
GT860M (hopefully this will change to an 870M - my thought)
Intel ULV processor options, (Broadwell coming sometime after launch reputedly)
1366x768, 1920x1080, and 2560x1440 13" IPS Panel screen options (sadly with plastic panel again)
possible dual SSD option or single HDD
1" thick/4.5 pounds wt. approx.

I for one am quite excited, as I have been hoping Alienware/Dell would release a spiritual successor to the M11x series since it was canceled.

 

I remember when people were all hoping for a slightly larger version of the m11x, we even built out own m11xs to have 12.5-13.3 lcds

I for one, like the idea, granted I have too many aliens right now though.

 

I have missed this, will have to check it out. I was considering getting a 14 and had been waiting on a re-hash with 860. Stopped checking every day about a month ago. Thanks for the heads up.

 

I believe that the 870m would require too much power for a small laptop like that one. I personally think the Alienware 13 is a great addition to the crew and that most m11x users (like me) will love it.

 

They wouldn't pair an 870M with a ULV processor, that'd make little sense.

 

I think the issue with the parts is the 870m generates tremendous heat compared to the 860m... I didn't realize that when I first posted, but read later about the difference, so yeah, no 870m. They are going cool and for component lifetimes on this design, instead of the "turn 'em out, burn 'em out" designs like the Razer.

My only concern at this stage is that they will not launch with Broadwell to start; this reminds of my buying an M11x-R1 just as the R2 came out like a month later : (

 

I had not seen this story, but it is excellent news!

I love the small size of my M11x, but I think 13" is close enough for me to pull the trigger on an upgrade. Assuming the screen is exactly 13", then it really is only 1.4" larger than the M11x. Now I just need to start thinking of ways to justify the purchase to my wife!

 

Unlike most people, I'm not up in arms about the news of a ULV processor. The low temperatures will no doubt keep the innards of the computer intact for many years to come. My M11x R1, for example, is 4.5 years old now and it still runs perfectly and the temperature never exceeds 60c.

 

The same reason I have two R1's, they run cool. I have seen way too many pc's heat up and die.

 

I actually prefer the R1, since better battery life and nominal decrease in performance.

 

Mine was the same - until I gave it to my brother, then it started overheating - he doesn't believe in bothering with cooling pads.

I've got an R3 as well but wanted to upgrade so bought a Clevo W230ST - it's OK (bit big and heavy for my purpose) but I really miss the M11x keyboard, a pleasure to type on, a pleasure to look at.

Must investigate the 13, can't wait to see it.